Match Report: Arsenal 0 - 2 Liverpool

Liverpool recorded their first away win over Arsenal since 2000 to heap more misery on the Gunners - who saw Emmanuel Frimpong sent off and lost injured centre-back Laurent Koscielny in a 2-0 defeat at Emirates Stadium.

Samir Nasri impressed for the Gunners but the home side's luck was out after Aaron Ramsey's own goal and a last-minute strike from substitute Luis Suarez handed victory to the visitors.

Arsene Wenger - who now has half his first-choice team out because of suspension or injury - must regroup his squad for next week's crucial Champions League play-off second leg in Udinese and the small matter of a trip to Manchester United.

Nasri - whose £22million move to City is, according to reports on French TV, said to have broken down - did not applaud the crowd as the teams came out of the tunnel, and was then jeered by some sections of the Emirates Stadium faithful when his name was announced.

Liverpool showed early intent, as Dirk Kuyt - who netted a late penalty deep into stoppage time to earn a 1-1 draw here last season - drilled a low, angled drive goalwards.

New Arsenal captain Robin van Persie looked lively as he nicked the ball out on the right channel and floated over a cross which Martin Kelly stabbed behind for a corner.

On eight minutes, Frimpong was cautioned for squaring up to Jordan Henderson as the Liverpool midfielder tried to take a quick throw-in.

Koscielny added to Wenger's defensive problems when he pulled up with what looked like a lower back injury on 14 minutes and had to be replaced by youngster Ignasi Miquel, the Spaniard making his Premier League debut.

Liverpool almost took the lead on 20 minutes when Andy Carroll's towering header at the far post brought a brilliant save from Wojciech Szczesny.

The visitors were in full flight now, with Henderson sending a tame header straight at the Arsenal keeper following another quick break down the left.

Charlie Adam then tried an audacious chip from the halfway line, which had Szczesny backpedalling, but flew over the bar.

Arsenal finally mounted a meaningful attack after 30 minutes when Frimpong's low drive from 20 yards was pushed wide by Jose Reina.

Nasri then showed what Arsenal would be missing when he picked up the ball in his own half, dashed forwards and turned Liverpool inside out before unleashing a 25-yard strike which curled past the post.

As the Heavens opened for the start of the second half, Liverpool continued to frustrate Arsenal.

The visitors broke quickly into the Gunners box on 55 minutes, with Carroll laying the ball back to Kelly - and his snapshot struck the outside of the post.

Arsenal eventually started to up the pressure, but lacked a decisive pass in the final third.

Andrey Arshavin turned Kelly and fed van Persie at the near post, but his goalbound flick was kicked behind by Reina.

With 20 minute left, Arsenal were reduced to 10 men when Frimpong was shown a second yellow card when he left his foot up in a 50/50 challenge with Lucas, right in front of the referee.

Liverpool snatched a fortunate lead on 78 minutes when as Suarez darted into the six-yard box, Miquel's clearance cannoned off Ramsey's chest and back over the keeper into the net.

A miserable afternoon for the Gunners was compounded in the final minute when Suarez tapped in from close range following a quick counter-attack.

Dalglish Praises New Boys

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish hailed his summer signings after the impressive 2-0 win over Arsenal.

Jose Enrique, Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson and Stewart Downing all made their second starts for the club at the Emirates after arriving at Anfield during pre-season.

The quartet have all quickly settled in to their new surroundings with Enrique picking up the Man of the Match honours for keeping Theo Walcott quiet during the contest.

Dalglish was delighted to see his side secure their first win of the campaign and he believes the signs are promising for his new arrivals.

"Obviously we are delighted. It is a very difficult place to come that everyone knows about," Dalglish told Sky Sports HD2. "We knew anyone that they did play would stand up for them and play well.

"I thought it was a fantastic game of football - we are delighted to have won, we probably just about deserved it. We never lost a goal which is good for a start.

"We know what the boys are capable of and it is just about getting them trained to play that way. I think you have seen the difference with an extra week and they were very impressive again.

"They have got the first game out of the way and they know the size of the football club and what they have come for. If that is an indication of how quickly they have settled we have a lot to look forward to."

Carragher Hails Emirates Win

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher felt his side deserved their 2-0 win over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

Aaron Ramsey's unfortunate own goal and Luis Suarez's late strike proved to be enough to give Liverpool their first ever win at the Emirates.

An under-strength Arsenal side was further depleted by an early injury to Laurent Koscielny and the sending-off of Emmanuel Frimpong and Carragher, who captained Liverpool in the absence of Steven Gerrard, admitted it was a good time to play the Gunners.

"They are such a great side and have been for a long time and it is a difficult place to come but we deserved (the win) on Saturday," Carragher told Sky Sports HD2.

"To be fair to them they have a lot of injuries and they had a couple more at the back on Saturday so when you have that many it is going to be awkward but I think (Thomas) Vermaelen was outstanding, especially in the first half."

Carragher also felt the win was important following last weekend's disappointing 1-1 draw at home to Sunderland.

"Last week was a bit of a comedown after everyone had started well - the players, fans and staff were on a bit of a downer and I think we had a little to prove here after that," added Carragher.

Man of the match Jose Enrique felt the own goal changed the game but still feels there is room for improvement in the Liverpool side.

"We had a lot of chances in the first half and didn't score but after the first goal we had control of the game," noted Enrique.

"All (the new signings) started on Saturday in the first XI and we did OK and won against one of the best teams in England.

"We have to play more together to play better but we did well on Saturday. I think I played OK but I have to know the players more."

Kenny To Take Care With Suarez

Kenny Dalglish accepts he is going to have to manage Luis Suarez carefully to make sure Liverpool see the best of him this season.

The Reds recorded a 2-0 victory at Arsenal on Saturday - their first away Barclays Premier League win over the Gunners in a decade - following the introductions of Suarez and Raul Meireles.

It was the duo who combined to force the breakthrough, after Arsenal had been reduced to ten men in the wake of Emmanuel Frimpong's red card, when Ignasi Miquel's clearance bounced off Aaron Ramsey and into the net.

Suarez then tapped in a second goal in the final minute to make sure of the points for the Reds at the Emirates Stadium.

The 24-year-old impressed in Uruguay's Copa America win this summer, and Dalglish feels if he can keep all of his frontmen fresh then that can only benefit the long-term good of the squad.

"Last week (against Sunderland) maybe I was being a wee bit romantic with Luis," the Scot said. "It was unfair on him, he was coming back and was on such a high and looked sharp in training. I thought I would give him a game.

"Maybe last week it was the wrong decision from me. He still scored the goal, still played well, but he just never had the energy he normally has. Maybe we just brought him back a wee bit too soon."

Dalglish added: "We have got to manage Luis' circumstances the same as we have everybody else's. There were another four or five lads there who we had for the first time.

"Raul Meireles has had a difficult pre-season with injuries so we have got to look after him as well as Luis."

Aquilani In Milan Claim

Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani claims he is close to joining Italian giants AC Milan.

Aquilani spent last season back in his homeland with a loan spell at Juventus, before returning to Anfield earlier in the summer.

Aquilani has been continually linked with a move back to his native Italy summer with the former Roma man seemingly not figuring in Kenny Dalglish's plans.

Juventus declined to sign Aquilani on a permanent basis because of his price-tag, while the 27-year-old also came close to joining Fiorentina earlier this summer, but he pulled out of the move as he wanted a permanent transfer rather than a loan deal.

Milan have now expressed an interest in Aquilani as they look to bolster their midfield options after being frustrated in their attempts to land Fiorentina's Riccardo Montolivo

"I am close to joining Milan," Aquilani told Gazzetta dello Sport.

It remains to be seen if the move would be a loan deal or a permanent deal with Liverpool thought to be keen on a permanent transfer so that they can raise funds for their own transfer plans.

Kenny & Comolli’s £6m Man Will Be A Stellar Centre Back Solution

Kenny Dalglish is mulling over a cut-price move for Werder Bremen centre-back Per Mertesacker as the Scot continues to rebuild his Liverpool squad. Mertesacker is available for around £6m due to him being in the last year of his contract.

Though Liverpool generally have an excellent defensive record and boast young, powerful centre-backs in Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger, even during their Premiership opener, Jamie Carragher’s weaknesses were again exposed.

Though Carragher is without doubt a great defender and still has a big part to play this season, he cannot be relied to maintain his form of old for a full season.

This leaves Liverpool with Agger and Skrtel – talented certainly, but hardly the rock solid pairing that would propel Liverpool into the top four. A move for Mertesacker would offer Liverpool the defensive stability that is essential to a high finish.

Mertesacker recently expressed his desire to play in the Premiership which had many thinking that Arsenal would make a bid for the German international. However, no bid has materialized for one reason and another.

And now it seems that Arsene Wenger will be far busier trying to replenish his squad’s midfield talent, leaving Liverpool to steal in and secure the signature of one of Europe’s top defenders.

Capello Impressed By Kelly

England boss Fabio Capello has revealed he is considering giving Liverpool defender Martin Kelly a call-up into the senior squad.

Kelly has established himself as a key member of the Liverpool side over the last 18 months after earning an extended run in the side under Kenny Dalglish last term.

The versatile defender, who can play at centre-back as well as right-back, has won two caps for England Under 21s and he is now in contention for the senior side.

Capello watched Kelly in action during Liverpool's 2-0 win over Arsenal at the Emirates on Saturday and he is a big admirer of the 21-year-old stopper.

"I see some players interesting for me, some new players like Kelly the right-back, he is really interesting," Capello told Sky Sports' Goals On Sunday.

"He is young and he played a good, good game."

Tommy Smith: Liverpool FC Must Field Strong Side In Carling Cup

Liverpool makes the long trip down to Exeter City in the Carling Cup on Wednesday night and it’s vital we play a strong side.

Too often in recent years we’ve played weakened teams in the competition and been dumped out at an early stage.

Let’s go there and get a thumping win to boost confidence ahead of the league game against Bolton next weekend.

You can get away with making a few changes but you can’t afford to play a completely different team.

Liverpool should be too strong for Exeter but there’s no room for complacency.

I remember when I was at Swansea under John Toshack we played Tottenham in the FA Cup.

On paper they should have beaten us but they thought it would be easy and we dumped them out.

Exeter won’t be as good technically as Liverpool. Their passing won’t be as good but what you can guarantee is that they will work tirelessly.

They will run and run because it’s a massive occasion for them. It will be the only chance many of their players get to play against Liverpool.

It will be a sell-out and if Liverpool’s attitude isn’t right we will pay the price. If we match Exeter’s work rate we’ll be fine.

Young Reds Held In Opener

Jordan Lussey struck a magnificent equalizer as Liverpool U18s came from behind to claim a creditable 1-1 draw against Cardiff City on Saturday afternoon.

The versatile youngster finished off a positive run with a rasping 25 yarder on 74 minutes to cancel out Joe Ralls's opener from the penalty spot.

It means Mike Marsh maintains his unbeaten run since assuming the U18 hot-seat in the summer and he will now look to re-energize his squad in time for the long journey to Portsmouth next weekend.

On a bright morning in Kirkby, the Reds looked intent on carrying on the goalscoring exploits that had been a feature of their pre-season and almost got off to a flyer when Jack Dunn saw his goalbound effort deflected to safety on five minutes.

The hosts were playing with a hunger and an urgency that the visitors were struggling to cope with in the early exchanges leading to another opening just moments later.

The busy Dunn breezed down the left and sent a teasing cross to the far post where Kristoffer Peterson guided a header wide with David Richards all at sea in the Bluebirds' goal.

Substitute Sam Gainford then brought the best out of Richards with a low shot from Yalany Baio's pass before Lussey was forced to hack clear from underneath his own crossbar after a Cardiff corner from the left had threatened to arc directly into the goal.

The visitors had slowly gained a foothold in the game as the half wore on and as Liverpool toiled they should have gone ahead on 35 minutes.

A long ball over the top sent Jessie Darko rampaging towards goal. The powerful striker held off Matty Regan but saw his attempted lob drop inches over the crossbar with Jamie Stephens stranded in no man's land.

The Reds looked to step it up a gear following the interval but it was the away side who again looked the more threatening with Ralls crashing a low effort just past the far post.

It had developed into a keenly contested encounter and there didn't look like being a breakthrough until the Reds were penalized for a handball 20 minutes from time.

Ralls stepped up and comfortably beat Stephens from the spot to give the visitors what they must have felt was a winning goal.

However, they reckoned without the perseverance of Lussey who side stepped two challenges before smashing a stunning leveller into the top corner just six minutes later.

Substitute David Moli then came close to sneaking victory when he almost converted on 89 minutes but it wasn't to be and the hosts were forced to settle for a share of the spoils.

Match Preview: Arsenal vs Liverpool

Arsenal begins Premier League life after Cesc Fabregas, and probably Samir Nasri, when they host Liverpool live on Saturday lunchtime.

Arsene Wenger and his club have been headline fodder for the majority of the summer amid what has undoubtedly been the most difficult period of the Frenchman's 15 years in England.

The sale of Fabregas to Barcelona was inevitable, but, with Manchester City also closing in on Nasri, Arsenal is being portrayed as a club in crisis.

Some fans have turned on Wenger as a result and chants of to the effect of 'spend some money' could be heard during the 0-0 draw at Newcastle on the opening day of the season.

An edgy 1-0 win over Udinese in midweek in the UEFA Champions League play-offs has done little to appease the doubters and a positive performance against Liverpool is essential as a consequence.

Controversial

But Kenny Dalglish's new-look visitors need to show their own mettle after the less-than-inspiring 1-1 draw with Sunderland at Anfield last Saturday.

Stewart Downing, Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson and Jose Enrique all made their Premier League debuts for Liverpool in the draw, but did not have critics raving.

After a controversial, late draw at Emirates Stadium in April, a first three points at Arsenal in the 12th attempt would therefore give a significant indication of the new era under Dalglish.

Jack Wilshere is set to miss the game and is 50-50 for Wednesday night's Champions League return in Udinese.

Wilshere was on Thursday still undergoing treatment on his troublesome ankle injury, which it was originally hoped would clear up in time for last weekend's opener at Newcastle.

That game cost Wenger two more players, with new striker Gervinho sent off and midfielder Alex Song punished in retrospect with both starting three-match bans on Saturday.

The Udinese game saw Kieran Gibbs and substitute Johan Djourou both limp off with hamstring strains, joining Wilshere, Abou Diaby and Armand Traore on the sidelines.

That could force Wenger to hand summer signing Carl Jenkinson his Premier League debut against Liverpool in the unfamiliar position of left-back.

Defender Glen Johnson is an injury doubt for Liverpool, while captain Steven Gerrard continues his recovery from his groin problem.

England full-back Johnson missed last week's opening match with a hamstring injury and manager Dalglish rates him as his only doubt for the trip to London.

Dalglish may opt to make changes, with Martin Kelly and Dirk Kuyt pushing for the staring places of John Flanagan and Henderson.

Possible starting XIs:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Jenkinson, Walcott, Ramsey, Wilshere, Rosicky, Chamakh, Van Persie.

Liverpool: Reina, Kelly, Agger, Carragher, Enrique, Lucas, Adam, Kuyt, Downing, Suarez, Carroll.

Dalglish: We Are Due A Win At Arsenal

Liverpool may never have a better time to end their miserable away run against Arsenal but manager Kenny Dalglish insists his team will not under-estimate Arsene Wenger's side.

The sale of captain Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona earlier this week and the impending departure of Samir Nasri to Manchester City have only added to the Gunners' problems.

Jack Wilshere, Abou Diaby and Armand Traore were joined on the injury list by Kieran Gibbs and Johan Djourou after their midweek Champions League victory over Udinese.

And with new signing Gervinho and Alex Song also suspended for Saturday's match everything is pointing towards the Reds ending a stretch of 14 away matches to Arsenal without a win.

Liverpool's last victory came in February 2000 and only two of that winning side - Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard, currently sidelined by injury - are still at Anfield.

"Maybe we're due for a win," said Dalglish.

"But it is not going to make it any easier for us because they have lost Fabregas, Nasri is unlikely to be playing and they have a couple of suspensions.

"It will still be a difficult game for us. Arsenal has been most football fans' second team because they play great football and are entertaining to watch.

"Unfortunately they have not won anything for six years and that is the monkey they would love to have off their back.

"But they are still a team I have the greatest respect for and so we go in there and hopefully we can make it as difficult for them as they will for us.

"I don't know how they are going to react, it is up to us to know how we are gong to react.

"We can control what we do and we can compete against them - that is all we can do."

Having begun their season positively with a good first half at home to Sunderland Dalglish saw his side fade after the interval as they were held to a 1-1 draw.

The Scot insists, however, that fitness is not an issue, pointing to the fact he fielded four debutants and two players who had been involved at the Copa America.

"The boys that played with the emotions and the magnitude of the task in front of them, for different reasons, it was understandable that the second half was maybe not as good as the first," he said.

"But we have no problem at all in terms of their fitness.

"We were disappointed with the performance because we can play better than that but we have a lot more positives to take out of it when we look back now than we thought we did at the time."

One of those debutants last weekend was Jose Enrique, who was thrust into the action just over 24 hours after completing his £6million move from Newcastle.

The Spaniard believes he has joined a team who can regain their top-four slot and, in future, hopes can win the Champions League again.

Enrique may only have been at Anfield for a week but it has not taken him long to spot the differences between his former and current employers.

Since January the Magpies have sold him, Andy Carroll (to Liverpool) and Kevin Nolan, three of their biggest names.

In comparison, Dalglish has spent more than £100million in transforming the squad during the same period.

"We have a good squad. They (Liverpool) had an amazing team before and they signed good players this summer - me too," he joked.

"It is a different mentality and they want to have an amazing team again like the Liverpool before.

"Liverpool wants to spend money. If they get in the top four this year they will spend a lot more.

"That is why I am here. I am really happy because it is a dream just to be here at a team that wants to spend money on players and be in the top four.

"Both teams fight for different things. In Newcastle there is a different mentality now, they don't want to spend a lot of money but here they want to spend and be big again."

Kuyt Wants Arsenal Start

Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt has revealed that he was disappointed not to have started against Sunderland last weekend but hopes to feature against Arsenal on Saturday.

The Dutch international striker was left on the bench by manager Kenny Dalglish in the Premier League opener at Anfield and was brought on only after the hour-mark.

The game ended in a 1-1 draw and although Kuyt says that he is pleased with the result, he admits that it was not easy for him to watch from the bench.

"I'm happy we're on the way now," Kuyt told Liverpool's official website. "The draw against Sunderland wasn't what we were hoping for - we wanted three points, but that's behind us now and a really big game is waiting for us on Saturday.

"I am feeling very well. It's my first full pre-season in many years. Last year, for example, I had two weeks to prepare for the season, but this year I had a full pre-season and I have to say I am feeling fitter than ever.

"I am desperate to play and was disappointed not to start on Saturday, but the manager needs to decide who he's going to pick - and hopefully he's going to pick me for the next game."

The former Feyenoord striker is also confident of a successful 2011-12 campaign and enthused: "I am very excited by the new season. I think the owners and manager have done a great job with the players who have come in January and the summer.

"It's very positive, we have a great squad, but it's now up to the players to show we are also a great team and have the ability to compete with the best."

Kuyt, who has established himself as one of the key players for Liverpool with his versatility and work ethic, is also enthusiastic about summer signings Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam, Alexander Doni, Stewart Downing and Jose Enrique.

"I think they've settled in very well," stated the 31-year-old. "A big plus for them, and for us, was that most of them arrived in pre-season so we could train and work with them during pre-season and get to know them better. That was very good and I think they've all done very well and are happy to be here.

"It's the job of everyone (to welcome new players), whether you are experienced or not. We have to try to help each other because at the end of the day, we need each other if we want to achieve something.

"You always try to make the new lads feel welcome. I think I did and the rest of the lads did as well, so hopefully we can have a great season together."

Liverpool And Chelsea Set For Shock Swap Deal

Liverpool is reportedly set to propose a remarkable swap deal with Chelsea if the Blues are serious in their pursuit of Raul Meireles.

Chelsea are focusing their efforts this summer on bolstering a midfield that was often left short of creativity and imagination last season and are attempting to recruit Valencia's Juan Mata and Tottenham star Luka Modric.

The Blues have also been linked with Portugal international Meireles, who they believe can add more drive and work-rate to the middle of the park. It is thought manager Andre Villas-Boas is a fan of the 28-year-old having worked with him briefly while both were at Porto.

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is keen to trim the size of his midfield following the arrivals of Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing. Despite being recognized as Liverpool's player of the season last year, it is thought Meireles could be sold in order to free up some space and to ease the wage bill.

And according to caughtoffside.com, the Merseyside club will demand striker Daniel Sturridge in return for Meireles if Chelsea firm up their interest with an offer.

England U-21 star Sturridge was in superb form last season whilst on-loan at Bolton. After joining Wanderers in January, the 21-year-old forward bagged eight goals in 12 appearances but still finds himself way down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.

Fernando Torres and Didier Drogba are the obvious first-choice while the presence of Nicolas Anelka, Salomon Kalou and £20m new-boy Romelu Lukaku means Sturridge has dropped further down the list.

Liverpool are keen to bring in another striker as they are short of options behind Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez but whether Sturridge will be willing to swap the bench at Chelsea for Anfield is uncertain.

Alberto Aquilani's Chances Of Liverpool Exit Boosted

Alberto Aquilani’s chances of ending up at AC Milan before the transfer window shuts have been given a boost by Fiorentina.

The Rossoneri have been targeting Fiorentina midfielder Riccardo Montolivo, but have been informed that La Viola is very unlikely to sell the 26-year-old to another Italian club.

Indeed, should Montolivo leave Fiorentina, then the club do not want to strengthen a domestic rival. This has put Bayern Munich in the driving seat, with the Allianz Arena outfit also keeping a close eye on the Italy international.

And so out-of-favour Liverpool midfielder Aquilani, who is also on Milan’s radar, has seen his chances of ending up at the Serie A champions boosted.

Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri is desperate for a midfielder to be added to his squad and would be fully prepared for that man to be Aquilani.

The former Roma playmaker is surplus to requirements at Anfield and would like to exit Liverpool in a permanent move after spending last season on loan at Juventus.

However, Aquilani is believed to be so determined to head back to Italy, certain he will receive few opportunities under Kenny Dalglish at Anfield, that he would also accept a loan if that were the only escape route on offer.

Reds Open To Poulsen Exit

Christian Poulsen's agent has revealed Liverpool are willing to let the midfielder leave the club.

The Danish international has found himself out of favour at Liverpool after failing to make an impact since arriving from Juventus last summer.

The summer signings of midfielders Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam have pushed Poulsen further down the pecking order at Anfield and the club is now prepared to offload the 31-year-old.

Poulsen's agent, Jorn Bonnesen, has confirmed the player has been told he will not be playing regularly for Liverpool this season and that he is looking for a new club for the midfielder.

"I've talked with Liverpool now. They have said that they are not confident that they can meet Christian's desire for playing time, and they understand that we are trying to find a new club for Christian," Bonnesen told bold.dk.

"We look about us and explore the options.

"There are clubs interested, but I can not tell more about the possibilities.”

Dalglish: Keeping Liverpool FC Squad Happy Is A Challenge

Kenny Dalglish admits keeping Liverpool’s bulging squad happy could prove one of his biggest managerial challenges this season.

The Anfield outfit has embarked on a major summer recruitment drive with more than £50m spent on signing Stewart Downing, Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam, Jose Enrique and Alexander Doni.

However, Liverpool have struggled to move on many senior players during the transfer window, with only Nabil El Zhar, Daniel Ayala, Paul Konchesky and Milan Jovanovic having departed.

The substantial playing staff was illustrated when Joe Cole, Maxi Rodriguez and Alberto Aquilani didn’t even make the bench for last Saturday’s Premier League opener at home to Sunderland. Dirk Kuyt, an ever-present in recent seasons, was only a substitute, and a lack of European football means there will be significantly less first-team opportunities for fringe players this season.

And while insistent everyone will have a part to play, Dalglish admits ensuring morale stays high among the fringe players is a priority.

“It is a squad, not a team,” says the Liverpool manager, whose team visit Arsenal in today’s early Premier League kick-off. “We are a squad and the team will change throughout the season.

“People will play and people won’t play. You won’t get any success with 11 people. You’ll have success when you have got about 20 to pick from. Everyone will play a part.

“The most difficult thing I found in management first time around was the players who were not playing. There were only one or two subs in those days and you had to keep them happy.

“The happier they are, the better they play and train and that means the players who are playing are under more pressure. You are only as good as the players that aren’t playing.”

El Zhar was this week released from his contract, and is expected to join Spanish side Levante.

Another player heading for Spain could be Dani Pacheco, who is poised to join Rayo Vallecano on a season-long loan.

Dalglish, meanwhile, has intimated he may have been asking too much by selecting four debutants and two players with only limited training to start Liverpool’s Premier League campaign last week.

Henderson, Downing, Adam and Enrique all began the match, along with Lucas Leiva and Luis Suarez, who had recently appeared in the Copa America.

Liverpool appeared to run out of steam after the interval, but Dalglish said: “It's a huge ask. It was an emotive day for a lot of people. Lucas had only been back 10 days, Luis a week.

“Maybe it was my fault for going along those lines. But there's no problem with the players' fitness.”

Martin Skrtel could be in contention for a starting role after returning to training this week, but Glen Johnson is still struggling with his thigh problem.

Ayre Accuses Government In Liverpool Stadium Row

Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre has angrily responded to housing minister Grant Shapps after he criticized the amount of time it is taking the club to decide on its stadium future.

Liverpool recently had a public disagreement with Liverpool City Council about the delay in deciding whether to remain at Anfield or move to a new stadium in nearby Stanley Park.

Although Liverpool City Council and the government fell out last February over the "Big Society" idea as council leader Joe Anderson jettisoned David Cameron's hopes of turning Liverpool into a "pilot" area for the scheme, it would appear the council and Whitehall are unanimous in their disapproval of the club's impasse over its stadia intentions.

"In the interests of the wider community, the club needs to make a swift decision on whether they plan to build a new stadium or stay where they are – either way the residents around Anfield deserve to know," Shapps said.

"The delay is causing unnecessary uncertain for the community. Local residents are living in limbo.

"The council has already asked for extra time for the lease on Stanley Park by six months to allow the club time to explore all options, but the quicker Liverpool FC makes a decision, the more options they have."

Yet Ayre cast any notions of diplomacy aside in his startling riposte, accusing the government of being complicit in the lack of investment in the Anfield region. "It is extremely disappointing Mr. Shapps should publicly point the finger at Liverpool FC and claim they alone are delaying the regeneration of the local area, when he is fully aware of the impact of central government cutbacks on the whole city," Ayre wrote.

"If Mr. Shapps had taken the time to learn anything about our City, our football club and our community, he would know that we all work together and pull together and we only try to score points on the football pitch, not in the media."

Dalglish and Redknapp Set To Battle For £7m-Rated Scottish Starlet

Liverpool and Tottenham are both reportedly keeping tabs on Celtic's highly-rated youngster James Forrest.

The 19-year-old winger was given his chance in the first-team towards the end of the 2009/10 season when Neil Lennon was in charge on a temporary basis. He became an important member of the team last season under Lennon's guidance and is entering his second full-season as a first-team regular.

Forrest's progress last year was remarkable and he has established himself as one of the brightest young talents in British football.

And according to Fanatix.com, his sharp rise has not gone unnoticed with Premier League duo Liverpool and Tottenham both monitoring his situation at Celtic.

Celtic has already reportedly rejected an approach from the Merseyside club for Paddy McCourt and the Scottish giants are thought to be bracing themselves for another attempt by Liverpool for Forrest.

The Hoops will be even more unwilling to lose the Scotland international given his age and potential but Anfield manager Kenny Dalglish is reportedly prepared to test their resolve by tabling a £7m offer.

The move will be supported by Liverpool's owners Fenway Sports Group whose transfer policy is heavily based on recruiting younger, British players.

Tottenham Eye Ambitous Swoop For Liverpool Trio

Tottenham will make an ambitious attempt to land three Liverpool players if - or when - they decide to cash in on Luka Modric.

Manager Harry Redknapp is already looking to a future without the Croatian and will use the funds of his projected £35m sale to Chelsea to strengthen his squad and he hopes to do that with the signings of Joe Cole, Lucas Leiva and Dirk Kuyt.

The former West Ham boss has expressed his desire to work with Cole again having brought him through the ranks at Upton Park. Despite the England international's travails since moving to Merseyside 12 months ago, Redknapp still feels the 29-year-old has plenty to offer and the player himself would jump at the chance to link up with his mentor.

Dirk Kuyt is a surprise target given that he is already 31 years old yet his inexhaustible engine and eye for goal have seen him emerge as one of the most consistent performers for Liverpool - and in the Premier League generally - over the past couple of seasons. With first team opportunities diminishing with a change of formation at Anfield, the arrival of Jordan Henderson on the right flank and Kenny Dalglish's preference to field Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll in tandem up front, Kuyt could be persuaded to move to north London.

Lucas could prove the trickier to extricate from his employers after finally getting to grips with English football last season. One of the Reds' more dependable player last campaign, the 24-year-old Brazil international has carved a niche for himself at the base of midfield and Redknapp would like him to reprise that role at White Hart Lane especially with Wilson Palacios bound for Stoke and Sandro injured.

Having spent a considerable sum on players in recent months, Liverpool could be tempted to sell - especially given their bloated midfield - though they are likely to demand more than the £25m that Spurs will offer.

Pacheco Poised To Join Rayo

Liverpool youngster Dani Pacheco looks poised to join Spanish outfit Rayo Vallecano on a season-long loan.

A source close to the Primera Liga outfit claim a deal is almost done and that the promising forward will return to his homeland on a deal that will run until June 2012.

It is claimed that the 20-year-old will arrive in Madrid for a medical on Monday and to complete the relevant paperwork.

A number of clubs are reported to have contacted Liverpool this summer regarding a possible transfer, with permanent and short-term agreements discussed.

Pacheco, though, has had the final say in where he ends up, with it important for him to get games.

He believes he will get the opportunities he craves at Rayo Vallecano and considers them to be the best choice for his career.

The youngster revealed back in July that he was prepared to leave Liverpool in order to find regular football.

He hinted that a return to Spain would be his preferred choice, and it appears as though he may be about to get his wish.

Pacheco said at the time: "Above all, I want to play and if I have to leave to do that then there will be no problem.

"Some day I would like to return home. If it happens, it happens."

Pacheco took in a loan spell at Norwich last season, scoring two goals in six appearances as the Canaries secured promotion out of the Championship.